WINE lovers are invited to discover treasures from Coonawarra cellars this July as part of the annual Cellar Dwellers event.
This year marks 20 years of the month-long event which offers a full program of food and wine events including tasting experiences.
All events are designed to highlight the cellaring ability of Coonawarra’s world-class wines.
Coonawarra Vignerons events and marketing officer Heidi Guyett said she was excited to celebrate the 20-year milestone which features heavily in the program.
“2004 was an outstanding year in Coonawarra and the inaugural year of Cellar Dwellers,” Ms Guyett said.
“The intent back then was to entice visitation to the region during what was a traditionally quiet time of year for cellar doors.
“Since its inception the Cellar Dwellers month has grown from straightforward back vintage wine tastings at a handful of cellar doors, to a robust program of diverse events involving over 20 producers and incorporating long lunches, behind the scenes winery tours and winemaker dinners across the region.”
She said the theme and intent remained the same – to attract visitation at the core of winter and showcase the “breadth and depth” of Coonawarra wines.
“Of course, to mark the milestone our wineries will be delving deep into their museum collections this year, to retrieve some very special 2004 vintage wines,” Ms Guyett said.
“These rare drops will be available at selected cellar doors for tasting and feature on the wine list at several dinner events.”
One of the many feature events, The Cellar Dwellers Back Vintage Tasting Showcase, will return on Friday, July 12.
It will provide wine lovers with the opportunity to taste 30 back vintage delights in one location and for one night only.
Hosted by the Coonawarra Vignerons, the event aims to bring together a suite of Coonawarra producers to showcase their finest aged wines to celebrate the superior aging ability of Coonawarra wines, with the warmth and hospitality that the region is renowned for.
The Cellar Dwellers edition is a showcase of a range of Coonawarra varieties and styles ranging from Chardonnay to Riesling, Merlot to Shiraz, and of course the Coonawarra classic, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Boasting wines dating back to 2002, the wine list for the highly sought after event features up to 30 cellared wines, between eight to 22 years of age, from 15 of Coonawarra much loved
producers.
The stand-up event will see wine lovers tasting over a two-hour duration in the Hollick Estates Barrel Hall.
Ms Guyett said the Coonawarra Back Vintage Tasting event was a highlight in the 2024 Cellar Dwellers calendar and for good reason.
“What is unique and appealing about this event is that it brings together a diverse group of Coonawarra producers, in one location to showcase their wines collectively,” she said.
“Not all of the producers attending have a physical Cellar Door in the region or have one, but are not open on a regular basis, so the event is also a great opportunity for the likes of these producers to be involved in the Cellar Dwellers activities and to showcase their wines.”
Ms Guyett said locals and visitors to the region were also invited to taste and compare cellared ‘museum’ wines and discover how Coonawarra wine – both red and white- develop over the years.
Following the tasting event, guests also have the option to stay on for a 2 course dinner in Hollick’s upstairs restaurant, with renowned local guest chef Ian Perry crafting a menu to delight.
A shuttle bus is available to attendees from Penola to the venue with tickets are available from $40 per person and bookings can be made online.
